Possible Modifications to 1991 300ce?
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1990 300ce 24v I6
When I was doing the PBX rally, I was watching my lights dim as my rpms slowed. That was only with some interior lights on. I plan on adding my rally light setup eventually, so it'd certainly be needed then.
lastly, I have the hope that the higher charging rate at idle will help me with keeping my battery charged next winter. I had several instances when I needed jumps despite having driven quite a bit.
lastly, I have the hope that the higher charging rate at idle will help me with keeping my battery charged next winter. I had several instances when I needed jumps despite having driven quite a bit.
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From: Beirut, Lebanon
2006 C55 AMG 6 speed
Besides, you only move the seats once. And did W124's come with seat heaters?
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Yeah, w124s did come with butt warmers. Either not many options came on the 90 300ce or the people who bought it went for the bare-bones version because I have none of the fun gadgets, but hey. Whatever.
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Bucky Update:
Car is at the shop, surgery begins Monday. I'm taking out a personal loan (bank willing lol) to cover the cost of the rebuild. Mechanic says he's almost 100% positive its all top-end problems (seals/gaskets), and the bottom end is fine. We'll be doing headgasket + valve cover gasket + valve seals + (Possible) valve guides/valves + Intake/exhaust manifolds + alternator.
I'm fairly hopeful that the car will be much better after all this work, though I realize there are many other components I need to fix (entire EGR system, Air Injection/Idle Speed Control). Pending a full recovery, I will begin saving anew for my Koni Yellows as I've the H&R Sports waiting along with new Strut mounts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucky Update:
Car is at the shop, surgery begins Monday. I'm taking out a personal loan (bank willing lol) to cover the cost of the rebuild. Mechanic says he's almost 100% positive its all top-end problems (seals/gaskets), and the bottom end is fine. We'll be doing headgasket + valve cover gasket + valve seals + (Possible) valve guides/valves + Intake/exhaust manifolds + alternator.
I'm fairly hopeful that the car will be much better after all this work, though I realize there are many other components I need to fix (entire EGR system, Air Injection/Idle Speed Control). Pending a full recovery, I will begin saving anew for my Koni Yellows as I've the H&R Sports waiting along with new Strut mounts.
Last edited by Saijin_Naib; Apr 24, 2011 at 04:19 AM.
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From: Boise, ID, USA
300D, 500E, E420
Thought I had already posted this link, but in case not, here's my full write-up on the alternator upgrade:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...ad.php?t=53236
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Boise, ID, USA
300D, 500E, E420
Bucky Update:
Car is at the shop, surgery begins Monday. I'm taking out a personal loan (bank willing lol) to cover the cost of the rebuild. Mechanic says he's almost 100% positive its all top-end problems (seals/gaskets), and the bottom end is fine. We'll be doing headgasket + valve cover gasket + valve seals + (Possible) valve guides/valves + Intake/exhaust manifolds + alternator.
Car is at the shop, surgery begins Monday. I'm taking out a personal loan (bank willing lol) to cover the cost of the rebuild. Mechanic says he's almost 100% positive its all top-end problems (seals/gaskets), and the bottom end is fine. We'll be doing headgasket + valve cover gasket + valve seals + (Possible) valve guides/valves + Intake/exhaust manifolds + alternator.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Saijin, please have the mechanic use a bore gauge on all cylinders once the head comes off, to at least verify the cylinder walls are ok. If they are out of spec, or cross-hatch is worn/missing on some cylinders, cut your losses and don't put another dime into that engine. Hopefully it's not rings, as that's much more difficult to detect without actually pulling pistons (which he ain't gonna do). Here's hoping your mech is correct...
Fingers crossed
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Personal loan denied due to a previously existing past-due account. I closed/paid it in full, but it is on my record for a period of 7 years (should disappear by this time next summer). Doesn't help me today however :P
FAFSA time baby >_< I've enough money in loans that I could have bought this.
Oh well, right?
FAFSA time baby >_< I've enough money in loans that I could have bought this.
Oh well, right?
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From: IL / WI
Depends on the day
Personal loan denied due to a previously existing past-due account. I closed/paid it in full, but it is on my record for a period of 7 years (should disappear by this time next summer). Doesn't help me today however :P
FAFSA time baby >_< I've enough money in loans that I could have bought this.
Oh well, right?
FAFSA time baby >_< I've enough money in loans that I could have bought this.
Oh well, right?
Stupid $35k tuition.
Start a save Bucky fund?
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Yeah, I'm going to try and skip panhandling but I may have no choice haha.
I think bucky goes under the knife today, provided parts arrived at the shop. Calling in a min for a status update, will post here.
I think bucky goes under the knife today, provided parts arrived at the shop. Calling in a min for a status update, will post here.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Boise, ID, USA
300D, 500E, E420
"Bucky? Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Bucky pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious."
SAVE BUCKY!!!!!
SAVE BUCKY!!!!!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Financial aide kicked in, I found a paycheck I never claimed (lolwut?) and yeah.
Got the alternator ordered, contemplating doing a raft of other repairs/upgrades now that the car is off the road and I've got a bit of funds to play with.
Got the alternator ordered, contemplating doing a raft of other repairs/upgrades now that the car is off the road and I've got a bit of funds to play with.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Anyone have any suggestions for any "while you're at it" type work while the headgasket/alternator/valve cover gasket/valve seals/exhaust+intake manifold gaskets are being done?
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1990 300ce 24v I6
limped the car home to NJ. Going to get the head off thurs. Provided its not totally shot, i'm resolved to go through with fixing it. If not, it looks like I may be able to grab a c230k coupe, in burgundy.
looks like the front gasket where the timing chain is let go. Oil is spraying from there. That's what apparently did my alternator in.
looks like the front gasket where the timing chain is let go. Oil is spraying from there. That's what apparently did my alternator in.
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From: Beirut, Lebanon
2006 C55 AMG 6 speed
I sent you a PM, but whatever...
Most heads come with a little ridge inside the ports where the moulds joined. It's usually no more than 2 mm thick. Get a grinder, polish it up.
I did that on my old KA-24-DE (Nissan 240SX DOHC) and it picked up nicely. It's something you can do yourself, if you're careful and have a steady hand.
Oh, and about the C230K Coupe:
My girlfriend has one. They're stiffer than our cars, stock. Much more economical, although a bit slower. A nice one with a nice set of wheels and most importantly a 6 speed manual is in my opinion the best little high class RWD car you can buy.
My only problem with the thing is the damn noise of the actual powerplant. It sounds very coarse.
The W124 feels MUCH more planted, though. And it has aged better. And it has LSD. :P
And you can fix it for cheaper. And it's more significant. And it has a gem of an engine. And, and, and.....
Most heads come with a little ridge inside the ports where the moulds joined. It's usually no more than 2 mm thick. Get a grinder, polish it up.
I did that on my old KA-24-DE (Nissan 240SX DOHC) and it picked up nicely. It's something you can do yourself, if you're careful and have a steady hand.
Oh, and about the C230K Coupe:
My girlfriend has one. They're stiffer than our cars, stock. Much more economical, although a bit slower. A nice one with a nice set of wheels and most importantly a 6 speed manual is in my opinion the best little high class RWD car you can buy.
My only problem with the thing is the damn noise of the actual powerplant. It sounds very coarse.
The W124 feels MUCH more planted, though. And it has aged better. And it has LSD. :P
And you can fix it for cheaper. And it's more significant. And it has a gem of an engine. And, and, and.....
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1990 300ce 24v I6
I'll ask about polishing, I'm reading porting can kill low-end torque because of decreased velocity. Want more tq :P
Stiffer is nice, the gas mileage (reading 34ish?) is awesome. Slower? Surprising the 2002 2.3l SC is rated for 7.5 0-60 and Benz is typically conservative. Should be much faster than Bucky has been in recent times (0-60 in 14s :P ).
Have not found any manuals, just the 722.6, but whatever, its a step up from what I'm rocking anyway I'm sure.
Coarse as in how? Strained? Or just not smooth like the m104?
Yeah, the weight of the w124 does offer it a lot of presence on the road. I rather like it. A bit more stiffening to control lean/roll and I think I'll be set with it.
LSD?! I certainly do NOT have one. Been trying to figure out what car has the 210mm 3.27 carrier I'd need for easiest swap.
Cheaper? In terms of what? Relays and such are still a killer on the w124. Significant... Yes, maybe. The c230k doesn't give me that smile when I stand back and look at it. The w124 coupe is just a gorgeous piece of kit. I need to shape it more to what I envision, but its nearly there.
Yeah, I'm rather enthralled with the sound of the m104, especially when I had the open exhaust. Brutal, clean, and aggressive. Too damned loud though, needed ear plugs over 15mph :[
I know, I'm stuck on this damned car. I'm such a ****ing loyalist, its not even funny. I can jump 12 years into the future, have the hot-hatch I always lusted after, have a blown engine (in the good way!), and have bolt on stuff for ECU/etc from places like Kleemann yet I'm still dragging my feet and reluctant.
What the **** is wrong with me?
Stiffer is nice, the gas mileage (reading 34ish?) is awesome. Slower? Surprising the 2002 2.3l SC is rated for 7.5 0-60 and Benz is typically conservative. Should be much faster than Bucky has been in recent times (0-60 in 14s :P ).
Have not found any manuals, just the 722.6, but whatever, its a step up from what I'm rocking anyway I'm sure.
Coarse as in how? Strained? Or just not smooth like the m104?
Yeah, the weight of the w124 does offer it a lot of presence on the road. I rather like it. A bit more stiffening to control lean/roll and I think I'll be set with it.
LSD?! I certainly do NOT have one. Been trying to figure out what car has the 210mm 3.27 carrier I'd need for easiest swap.
Cheaper? In terms of what? Relays and such are still a killer on the w124. Significant... Yes, maybe. The c230k doesn't give me that smile when I stand back and look at it. The w124 coupe is just a gorgeous piece of kit. I need to shape it more to what I envision, but its nearly there.
Yeah, I'm rather enthralled with the sound of the m104, especially when I had the open exhaust. Brutal, clean, and aggressive. Too damned loud though, needed ear plugs over 15mph :[
I know, I'm stuck on this damned car. I'm such a ****ing loyalist, its not even funny. I can jump 12 years into the future, have the hot-hatch I always lusted after, have a blown engine (in the good way!), and have bolt on stuff for ECU/etc from places like Kleemann yet I'm still dragging my feet and reluctant.
What the **** is wrong with me?
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From: Beirut, Lebanon
2006 C55 AMG 6 speed
Slower than MY W124. :P
I drag raced my girl before and after the tranny swap. With the auto, it was close but I pull a car length ahead at the quarter.
After the swap, almost double the distance.
I need to take a video of a nice 2-3rd gear roll. Mine isn't modified in any way besides de-catting.
It doesn't sound smooth. Clickety, I don't know how to explain it... Don't get me wrong, it's a great car. I just enjoy driving my car more, and on many occasions I drive both of them in the same day.
Dude, LSDs are a dime a dozen over here for our cars. 160$ for the diff. I'm sure you can find them there as well.
I drag raced my girl before and after the tranny swap. With the auto, it was close but I pull a car length ahead at the quarter.
After the swap, almost double the distance.
I need to take a video of a nice 2-3rd gear roll. Mine isn't modified in any way besides de-catting.
It doesn't sound smooth. Clickety, I don't know how to explain it... Don't get me wrong, it's a great car. I just enjoy driving my car more, and on many occasions I drive both of them in the same day.
Dude, LSDs are a dime a dozen over here for our cars. 160$ for the diff. I'm sure you can find them there as well.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Ah, do you have the 3.4l or was that Chlippo?
Have any slips for that race, or was it more informal? I'd like to compare to the slips I have for my 300ce.
Videos are always good :P According to the Benz service book, de-catting on the m104 is good for taking 0-60 from 7.8s to 7.5s (+- .3s). Pretty cool stuff. Have you change the engine timing retard by adjusting the EZL trim switch/resistor cap?
Ah, okay. So far from the youtube videos I'm watching, it actually sounds pretty nice. I can hear the SC whine (which I love so that doesn't bother me). Does your GF have the 2.3L m111 or the 1.8L m272? The m111 was only in the 2002 I believe. I like the idea of the m111 as its been around since the w124, and has (apparently) less computer control and "nanny" issues than the fuel system + ECU of the m272.
There also appear to be some mods for the m111, so that could potentially make it a fun platform for me.
Are you talking factory LSDs or aftermarket or what? They're hard to find here, especially the 210mm 3.27. As far as I know, only the 300ce in 90 had it in the US, and maybe an SL or an S-Class around the same time. I think I'm convinced from what I read from AMGDave that the Quaife is the way to go, but I don't know what unit to get and I'd need to find a shop that has the skillz for that.
Have any slips for that race, or was it more informal? I'd like to compare to the slips I have for my 300ce.
Videos are always good :P According to the Benz service book, de-catting on the m104 is good for taking 0-60 from 7.8s to 7.5s (+- .3s). Pretty cool stuff. Have you change the engine timing retard by adjusting the EZL trim switch/resistor cap?
Ah, okay. So far from the youtube videos I'm watching, it actually sounds pretty nice. I can hear the SC whine (which I love so that doesn't bother me). Does your GF have the 2.3L m111 or the 1.8L m272? The m111 was only in the 2002 I believe. I like the idea of the m111 as its been around since the w124, and has (apparently) less computer control and "nanny" issues than the fuel system + ECU of the m272.
There also appear to be some mods for the m111, so that could potentially make it a fun platform for me.
Are you talking factory LSDs or aftermarket or what? They're hard to find here, especially the 210mm 3.27. As far as I know, only the 300ce in 90 had it in the US, and maybe an SL or an S-Class around the same time. I think I'm convinced from what I read from AMGDave that the Quaife is the way to go, but I don't know what unit to get and I'd need to find a shop that has the skillz for that.
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From: Beirut, Lebanon
2006 C55 AMG 6 speed
No, I've got the 3.0 M104, same as yours. No, it was informal. Approximately 400 meters, seaside boulevard we all drag at here. :P
Yes, I've played with the timing slightly, but I didn't notice much of a difference. My car doesn't have the EZL trim switch. JayRash and I found that very odd!
My girl has the 2.3l m111. It's a good torquey engine, same power as the 1.8 with slightly more torque. Like you said, bigger and better upgrades though. Today we were discussing chipping it and getting it a smaller S/C pulley.
Factory LSD's. If all you want is the inner gearing, I can and will send it to you. Although I believe 3.27 wasn't imported here. Mine is a 3.65 or thereabouts. My fifth gear isn't an overdrive with the manual tranny.
The entire diff costs between 150 and 180$, I believe. I can take it apart and send you the parts, but I have no idea how much it'll cost to ship. I think it'll be way cheaper than spending 900-1000$ on a new diff, though. Way cheaper.
Look, the C230K is a good car, don't get me wrong. I just don't find it to be worth it if it wasn't a manual, and they have made 6 speed versions of that car. It's small RWD hatchback with decent power, they don't really make those anymore.
Hell, besides the new 1 series I can't think of a better RWD little hot hatch. The E46 mini coupe thing maybe, but I believe it was weaker. Infinitely more moddable, though.
Yes, I've played with the timing slightly, but I didn't notice much of a difference. My car doesn't have the EZL trim switch. JayRash and I found that very odd!
My girl has the 2.3l m111. It's a good torquey engine, same power as the 1.8 with slightly more torque. Like you said, bigger and better upgrades though. Today we were discussing chipping it and getting it a smaller S/C pulley.
Factory LSD's. If all you want is the inner gearing, I can and will send it to you. Although I believe 3.27 wasn't imported here. Mine is a 3.65 or thereabouts. My fifth gear isn't an overdrive with the manual tranny.
The entire diff costs between 150 and 180$, I believe. I can take it apart and send you the parts, but I have no idea how much it'll cost to ship. I think it'll be way cheaper than spending 900-1000$ on a new diff, though. Way cheaper.
Look, the C230K is a good car, don't get me wrong. I just don't find it to be worth it if it wasn't a manual, and they have made 6 speed versions of that car. It's small RWD hatchback with decent power, they don't really make those anymore.
Hell, besides the new 1 series I can't think of a better RWD little hot hatch. The E46 mini coupe thing maybe, but I believe it was weaker. Infinitely more moddable, though.
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From: Boise, ID, USA
300D, 500E, E420
AFAIK, there was never any LSD in the USA for 3.27 gears in a 210mm carrier. Worldwide, yes, but not USA. The Quaife only fits 2.65/2.82/3.06 gears without shimming (not recommended)... pretty sure we already discussed this earlier in the thread?
If you want 3.27 LSD you'll need the factory unit, either new ($$$$) or sourcing a used one overseas. All you need is the center carrier, but remember that a used one will need new clutches (~$300 + labor) prior to installation. The carrier weighs about 20 lbs packed and is fairly small, so if someone could find one for you across the pond, it may not be too expensive to ship. But figure $300 delivered, plus $300+ for a refresh, plus labor if you don't DIY, and the price goes up quick.
I'm also not sure how long the clutch pack will survive with autox use; if it wears quickly you'll not be a happy camper. I'd go with 3.06+Quaife for that application.
BTW, 124 relays are dirt cheap via Pick-n-Pull or fleaBay. Please tell me you're not buying new ones...!
If you want 3.27 LSD you'll need the factory unit, either new ($$$$) or sourcing a used one overseas. All you need is the center carrier, but remember that a used one will need new clutches (~$300 + labor) prior to installation. The carrier weighs about 20 lbs packed and is fairly small, so if someone could find one for you across the pond, it may not be too expensive to ship. But figure $300 delivered, plus $300+ for a refresh, plus labor if you don't DIY, and the price goes up quick.
I'm also not sure how long the clutch pack will survive with autox use; if it wears quickly you'll not be a happy camper. I'd go with 3.06+Quaife for that application.
BTW, 124 relays are dirt cheap via Pick-n-Pull or fleaBay. Please tell me you're not buying new ones...!
